A full blood count (FBC) includes the measurement of white blood cell (WBC) counts, which play a key role in defending the body against infections and diseases. High WBC levels, or leukocytosis, can result from several factors:
- Common Causes of High White Blood Cell Counts:
- Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections often cause the immune system to ramp up WBC production to fight off pathogens.
- Inflammation: Chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease can lead to elevated WBC levels.
- Injury or Surgery: Physical trauma or surgical recovery can trigger an immune response, raising WBC counts temporarily.
- Stress or Physical Exertion: Emotional or physical stress, such as intense exercise, can temporarily increase WBC levels.
- Leukemia: In some cases, extremely high WBC levels may signal blood cancers like leukemia, where the bone marrow produces abnormal WBCs.
- Health Implications:
- Infections or Inflammation: High WBC counts indicate the body is actively responding to a threat. Identifying the underlying cause, such as an infection or inflammatory disorder, is essential for targeted treatment.
- Chronic Conditions: Persistently high WBC counts may suggest an ongoing issue, such as autoimmune disease or cancer, requiring long-term monitoring.
- Treatment Options:
- Infections: Antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed to treat infections.
- Chronic Inflammation: Managing inflammatory conditions may involve medications like steroids or immunosuppressants.
- Cancer Treatment: Leukemia or other blood disorders may require chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies.
Recommended Tests:
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test:
A CRP test helps identify inflammation in the body, which may be contributing to high WBC levels. This test can guide the diagnosis of inflammatory or autoimmune conditions.
CRP Test - Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Test:
The ESR test measures inflammation by evaluating the rate at which red blood cells settle in a tube of blood. High levels can correlate with infections, autoimmune diseases, or cancer.
ESR Test
